Bug Out Vehicle For The Collapse Of Civilization

It will happen suddenly… One minute you will be sitting in your living room, watching TV perhaps, and then the alarm goes out. That familiar old government warning starts flashing on the TV, but this time it is no drill, and the time to bug out for good has come. 

Whatever it is, deadly viral pandemic, ICBMs about to launch, dogs and cats living together… doesn’t matter. It is time to get the hell out of dodge. You and your family’s lives will depend on getting as far away from the disaster zone as possible before all hell breaks loose in a societal collapse situation. So, you grab your go-bags, get your family moving and head for the door, rushing out to find…

What? An old Honda Accord with balding tires? Maybe an expensive, shiny Corvette with almost no room for supplies? What about the family Minivan… but you put off getting gas, and so it’s on empty.

That is no good. What you need is a Bug Out Vehicle (BOV).

I have made a companion video for this article on my YouTube Channel, and you can view it here.

What Is A Bug Out Vehicle?

A bug out vehicle, also known as a BOV, is a vehicle that is equipped and supplied to help its occupants quickly evacuate an area in the event of a disaster. Here, we are talking specifically about disasters of the permanent sort, meaning civilization enders. Good BOVs typically have a number of features that make them well-suited for this purpose, such as large storage capacity, off-road capabilities, and durability.

In this article we will take a closer look at some specific bug out vehicle examples, key features to consider when choosing one, and a common checklist for a loadout to get it up and get it going. Your bug out vehicle doesn’t have to be some hundred thousand dollar Jeep Gladiator rig, or one of those half million dollar Earth Roamer RVs. Almost any decent vehicle will work as long as you have a plan in place and get the right gear for the job. In fact, the very best bug out vehicles blend right into any situation, being somewhat “gray man” in appearance. The last thing you want to do is broadcast to all the newly desperate and violent refugees that you probably have everything needed to survive. That just makes you a target, and while a cheap muscle car isn’t a good bug out vehicle, it can be used to catch up to yours in a hurry so the occupants can try and take what you have. Better to look like just another random SUV…The primary consideration must always be to make a vehicle choice that works well with your specific survival and escape plan, in your area of operations..

So, what kind of vehicle should you have to ride out the opening waves of societal collapse? That is what we are going to talk about today. Specifically, realistic bug out vehicles for the collapse of civilization as opposed to some of the more Tacticool stuff people like to showcase these days.

Watching some of the “professional” prepper videos today, you would think you need some kind of expensive, crazy built-up rig and 25k worth of gear just to get a bug out vehicle ready. Some of the stuff I see out there is a bit extreme, and the new “must have” prepper model seems to be to scream out to the world and everyone around you just how cool and prepared you are. Now, I’m not mentioning anyone in particular, but I suppose if your primary business when making videos is to sell gear to people, I assume this is a decent approach to the whole thing.

Yes, nothing screams “I’m prepared!” as much as a flashy overlander rig covered in equipment. But, are they really prepared? Are they prepared to eat out of tinfoil next to a tiny campfire, or do they need their fully-equipped kitchens to roll out the backs of their trucks to have a meal on the trail? Are they prepared to navigate through the chaos of societal collapse without calling attention to themselves, or are they just hoping that the hordes of starving refugees won’t notice their rolling “targets of opportunity” as they go by? Are they truly prepared to deal with the labor-heavy grind of a real post-collapse bug out, or are they going to find themselves dependent on too much fancy gear and not enough experience crawling through the mud?

Hey look, I love all that stuff too, and it would be great to have the money to drop on some million dollar Earthroamer Expedition Vehicle, but hey, I’m not that lucky. And, I’ll bet that neither are most of you out there. So, this article isn’t for the fancy prepper types. This is for those of us who consider ourselves lucky to have some random ten-year-old vehicle that hasn’t completely fallen apart yet.

So, let’s get into it. Starting with the vehicle itself.

Bug Out Vehicle Features

The answer to the question “what is the best bug out vehicle” has a standard answer, which is usually “the one you have.” Not everyone can afford to have a second vehicle stashed at home just waiting on the apocalypse. That means, you have to consider what vehicle will be best for you to manage as both an everyday driver vehicle in your hometown, as well as a potential bug out survival vehicle down the road. Contrary to what you might have seen and heard, you don’t actually need some Mad Max war wagon. Sure, that would be nice to have, and if you can do it, go for it, man. But if you are like most people, that isn’t really an option, so hopefully it will be reassuring to hear that the need for such a rig is mostly bullshit made up to get you to buy more stuff.

Remember, for our purposes we are talking about the complete and total collapse of civilization here. And that means that a bug out vehicle isn’t something that you are going to be cruising around in for weeks, months, or years after the fall. Really, it is doubtful you will still be driving it a week or two later, and if you are, you might have other problems. This isn’t going to be a vehicle to live in long-term. It has one purpose, and that is to get you safely and securely to your pre-established bug out location. After the bug out, once you have gotten yourself and your family and supplies safely away from the threat zone of whatever city you live in or near, then you can think about secondary uses for the vehicle. But the first priority is for the vehicle to support your one-way journey out of harm’s way. 

Now, when it comes to collapse prepping, having a prepared location to go to is key, and something I havel addressed in another article, but just remember that it doesn’t have to be some bought and paid for bunker complex in the the mountains, okay. In reality, it doesn’t even have to be a place that you own. This is collapse, remember? Concepts of legal ownership went out the window with the first rush of rocket exhaust, and there won’t be anyone out to check your paperwork after the MIRVs come down. But, what this place does have to be is a location where you will be able to sustain yourself long-term after you arrive. More on that later. For now, let’s stick to the “getting there” part.

After all, they say that getting there is half the fun. If that is the case, you will probably want to get there quickly, because after bugging out unexpectedly, you are going to be in sore need of some fucking fun. To make sure that the process of bugging out goes smooth, you want to spend some prep time working on setting up both your actual plan, and the vehicle that will be used to carry out that plan. There are a few important general factors to consider.

And yes, as I mentioned already, appearance is one of them. Outwardly, you should try and keep your vehicle as non descript as possible. This serves to deflect attention away from you, both before and after SHTF, and that will make avoiding confrontation later much easier. You don’t want to stand out and present a juicy and inviting target for those who don’t have what they need to survive. Once they realize that you are a prepared individual, you become a possible source of supplies… and the next thing you know, you are in a fight to keep what you have. So, avoid the temptation to go extreme with all the zoom-zooms and wham-whams all the preppers on YouTube are going to try and sell you. Most aren’t really necessary anyway. 

In the case of my own very average, older model, bland silver SUV pictured above, the only things of note are the runners and the fact that I have tires geared more for offroad than for pavement. Otherwise, it isn’t lifted, it doesn’t have a ton of gear hanging off the sides and back, I don’t have the bumpers needed to ram my way through barricades, and there is no massive tent on the roof or million-candlepower light bar lighting up the dark like a second missile strike. And, if you take a peek inside, there doesn’t seem to be a slide-out kitchen, waterbed, or home theater system either. Bummer.

What this vehicle does have are some basic qualifications to handle an overland trip on the moderately rough trails and desert washes that crisscross my own area of operations. I’ve talked about Area of Operations (or AO) in my previous articles, but basically this means the area surrounding where you live on a day-to-day basis, and also where your bug out location is, as well as all the terrain in between. This will be the “AO” where you will be bugging out through, and also the one you will be operating in after collapse. You should make sure you know it as well as you can. 

For now, as it applies to the vehicle, you make your choices of vehicle, gear, and modifications based on the terrain and environment where you will actually be operating. In my case, pretty much any 4-wheel-drive vehicle will have enough ground clearance to handle it. I did add on the runners and the not-so-visible skid plates underneath, and of course the heavier than normal rubber, but that is all that is really needed to get you quite far off the beaten path in just about any environment. Upgrading too much has diminishing returns, and is probably money better spent elsewhere for greater benefits.

So, we got 4WD, clearance, basic undercarriage protection, and grip covered. What else? Well, you should look for a good balance between power and economy. Again, we aren’t taking this thing to a truck pull or mudding race, okay? We don’t need 1000 HP. What we will need is as much range as possible from the single tank of gas which is all we can really guarantee having when the shit hits the fan.

A side note here, when it comes to fuel. The usual rule of thumb for fuel discipline is to never let your vehicle fall below a half a tank, and that is a pretty good standard. I go a little further and just stop to top it off each day when I return home. Even if that is just 5 or 10 bucks, whatever. Each night I go to sleep with a completely full tank, and if the boom comes down, I know that is one thing I don’t have to worry about.

Reliability is another factor to consider. And yes, I know, in my case the vehicle is a Jeep. I can see the comments already, “just empty every pocket…” But, in this case, as should be the case of any vehicle you have, I have had this one overhauled extensively, and meticulously maintained. Things don’t wear out and then get replaced, they get replaced on a schedule, long before their factory “wear out” times. Regular Maintenance and preemptive parts replacement is a key factor in keeping your bug out vehicle ready to go.

My own mantra when it comes to worn parts is “half gone is all gone.”

Gear and Equipment

Many of the essential supplies for your bug out vehicle will overlap with other types of kits you will have, such as your bug out bags, but your vehicle needs to have a few other essentials specifically for itself. Much of the essential gear is focused on keeping the vehicle running and mobile. Ideally, your vehicle should have enough space to store all of it with plenty of room to spare.

Vehicle Specific Items

Keeping your vehicle on the road can take some supplies and know-how to repair it on the go. These specialized tools are essential to stow away for emergency repairs to keep you going.

• Tool Kit: Whether you are changing spark plugs or fixing flat tires, you’ll need the tools to get it done. Models and makes of cars can vary in the tool sets that fit them best, so you should be familiar with repairing your car and whether you need SAE or metric tools. Keeping socket sets, pliers, wrenches, and a hammer are just the bare minimum.
• Escape Tool: Stinger Super Duty Car Emergency Escape Tool – Don’t pass over safety tools in your bug out vehicle.
• Jack: The jack you need depends on the type of vehicle you have and the clearance to your frame. Just like your tool kit, you should be familiar enough with your vehicle to pick the right jack for emergencies.
• Spare Tire: Vehicle manufacturers have been skipping full-sized spares for many cars for a while now, and now some no longer include a spare at all. While this can save some cost at the dealership, not having a spare tire could spell disaster in a bug-out situation. Make sure you get a full size spare to keep on hand.
• Tow Strap: Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap – This strap could be overkill for your specific vehicle, but it’s always better to go over capacity rather than under.
• Gas Can: Wavian NATO Jerry Can – Store gas or have an empty for an emergency.
• Lug Wrench: Universal Cross Lug Wrench – Even if you can turn lugs with the tools in your tool kit, a cross wrench will be easy, fast, and an important redundancy.
• Jumper Cables: Energizer Jumper Cables – Even if you have the optional jump starter, a set of long tried-and-true jumper cables should be included in any bug out vehicle.
• Compressor: Even bikes need a way to keep their tires inflated, so a compressor spans every type of bug out vehicle making it very useful.

Water/Food

Water and food are heavy and bulky but are the top priority when it comes to practical survival. Your list should have food and water as the next critical items.

• Water Filter: Katadyn Hiker Pro Hand Pump Water Filter – This family-sized filter is compact and collapsible, making it ideal to stow in your vehicle.
• Purification Tablets: Aquatabs 397mg Water Purification Tablets – Having two methods to purify water is best, and these tablets are cheap and small enough to stow anywhere.
• Emergency Food Bucket: Mountain House Expedition Bucket – If you have room in your vehicle, emergency food is one of the best options to load up on.

You can also opt to store canned food, get a water tank, or go with MREs. These selections aren’t necessarily essential, but making sure you have your food and water bases covered is.

Communication & Navigation

Most vehicles come equipped with AM/FM radios or other ways to receive communication. They can also charge your phone, which is one of the best communication devices you can ask for. While not essential for your kit, the many different models of two-way radios could help significantly. Signaling for help or to others in your group can also be a communication method.

• Cell Phone Charger: Don’t bug out just to find you can’t get your best communication device power.
• Offline Navigation System: Keep a tablet or old phone loaded with maps and offline nav software stashed in faraday protection in your vehicle. Something like the Ulefone Armor 21 is a good choice.
• Local and AO maps: You’ll want to be able to navigate using older technology as well, so paper maps are a must. Get yourself good waterproof paper maps for your entire Area of operations.

• Compass: SUUNTO MC-2 Compass – Be able to navigate your maps with Finnish precision.
• Emergency Plan: Keep a copy of your emergency survival plan in your vehicle. 

Shelter

While your vehicle can provide shelter, you can’t always bank on everything going right. These survival items are meant to keep you warm and alive if SHTF and your vehicle isn’t keeping you warm and dry on its own.

• Waterproof Tarp: FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp – Just something to keep the rain and sun off you if you have to stop for any length of time.
• Survival Blanket: Arcturus Military Wool Blanket – This combo insulated blanket/tarp works exceptionally well in bug out vehicle kits, checking a lot of boxes.
• Mattress/Sleeping Bag: Depending on the size of your vehicle, you’ll need a place to get some sleep and stay warm.
• Camouflage Netting: LOOGU Custom Woodland Camo Netting – Staying hidden is going to be a priority if you have to stop. Having something that matches your terrain to conceal the vehicle is a must.

There is plenty of more gear you should include in your vehicle based on your plan, vehicle type, and other resources. These are just the essentials that span the wide range of vehicle options. Make sure you know how to use all of the equipment you place in your kits so you won’t be learning on the go during an emergency.

What’s In My Own Bug Out Vehicle

Okay, first off, some of this stuff stays in the vehicle at all times, other items usually sit staged just inside my garage for quick loading in the event of a bug out. One item that will be a variable is our bug out bags, those will obviously be included in the loadout that we bring when we bug out. If you are interested in getting a look inside mine, here is a link to the video, but for the most part the bug out bag is an integral part of your loadout for getting away, and so I include it as part of the vehicle kit. Really, it is just a smaller kit that can be taken should something go wrong with the vehicle, or we otherwise find ourselves going on foot.

Something else that will be with us, though not part of the vehicle kit, will be our personal defense firearms. Again, not specifically a part of the vehicle kit, but going out without some Pew-Pew is a very bad idea.

Another bag that is usually always with the vehicle, is what I call my “expedition” bag. I won’t go into a ton of detail about that here, but for the most part this bag contains all of the normal camping and hiking stuff one would expect of an outdoorsy person. Tent/tarp coverings, sleeping gear, mess kits and cooking tools, and general supplies. This is the bag of gear that I use regularly when I go out on overnight trips and such, for general camping, scouting, and exploration purposes. Keeping this in the vehicle is not only convenient for those purposes but saves time in an emergency.

There is also a pretty standard tool bag that stays in the Jeep. Nothing special, just all the general tools one would normally have in a vehicle tool kit, for making basic repairs and all that. It always stays here in the back. Also underneath the back there is a jack and full size spare and all that.

So far, pretty standard stuff. But this is where it gets a little more bug out like. We can start with my specialized gear box. This was just an old case I found at some location out in the desert and repurposed a long time ago to hold a selection of gear that would be important to have. Inside I keep a full recovery kit with a 9000 pound hand winch, towing straps, shackles, rope, all that stuff. Underneath I have made a space with cutout foam to hold a variety of tools that would be used for things like bypassing barricades or fences, cutting thick brush or downed trees, and even doing salvaging operations. So, we have saws, bolt cutters, crowbars, an axe and hatchet, a small entrenching tool, a machete, and some other odds and ends.

Also back there, I keep three 12-liter water containers in here, loaded with clean, potable water. In the event of a bug out, we will also be tossing in a few cases of water from the garage as well, but these are specifically for the vehicle at all times.

There is another bag containing complete changes of clothes and shoes for us to use later on during the bug out. You don’t know what you will be doing when the warning comes down, and you don’t want to waste precious time getting dressed or looking for good, durable outdoor clothing. Keeping full sets in the vehicle at all times means that whatever we will need is always in the vehicle for later.

One large bag that gets thrown in when the time for bug out comes is a food supply case.. This has enough food to last us a month if necessary, which is three times as long as the bug out plan calls for even at maximum expected duration.

Something additional that we carry is a small Jackery power station, with a solar panel setup. The panel would normally be placed in the roof once we arrived at a stopping point. We do not bring a generator or a larger power bank because it simply isn’t necessary as part of our plan. We have the power generation capabilities of the vehicle itself, which includes the built-in 115 volt AC inverter outlet behind the console. That, combined with the power of this Jackery Explorer 240 and the other solar items in our individual bug out bags, is more than enough to see us to our destination, even with many significant delays. Again, this is the collapse of civilization we are talking about here, so if you aren’t used to roughing it, you better get used to it because that will be the new normal.

Okay, in addition to that, we also have a fire extinguisher back there. Just in case of something going wrong resulting in the vehicle catching fire, we need to be able to put it out if we can. Not only is a vehicle fire a huge flag for other people to track in on, but we also want to be able to salvage as much as possible from the vehicle before we have to continue on foot. So, a full size extinguisher, not one of the dinky ones.

Behind the seat I have a little molle webbing to hold various things, one of which is an IFAK trauma kit. There is also a larger, extended medical supply bag as well. What is in there is pretty much exactly what I laid out in that bug out bag video I mentioned, a pretty standard IFAK with additions like chest seals, tourniquets, shears, and so on. The supply bag contains an assortment of medicines and bandages and such to cover as many eventualities as possible. Some items I like to keep secured back here are my NVGs, or night vision goggles, we do have a kill switch in the vehicle that disables all the lighting so we can drive without broadcasting our position, but in the desert at night it is dark as hell, so night vision is a must. There are also Various hardcopy maps, and even a few self-defense tools mounted here as well.

There’s even a pair of  small GMRS radios to use for both channel monitoring and also short range comms if we need to separate, although separating isn’t a part of the plan. Still, plans change, and so we have them just in case.

Up front we have a few things such as a tablet holder that can act as an offline navigation system in case we need to go off of the paths that I am already familiar with. This becomes less and less necessary as the years go on and my own explorations of this Area of operations help me become even more familiar with navigating out here. As it is, there is pretty much nowhere I could be in the desert southwest without knowing where I am, but better safe than sorry, right? 

Also, I keep a scanner mounted up there to monitor for law enforcement, BLM, forestry service, aircraft, whatever. This is the Uniden Homepatrol 2, a bit older but still serviceable. It is capable of receiving all unencrypted radio systems including APCO-25 Phase I and Phase II digital, Motorola, EDACS, LTR, conventional analog and P25 digital channels. An extremely helpful bit of gear when information will be in short supply, and those who do have some idea of what is going on probably aren’t broadcasting that to the public. Being able to listen in on what various parties are talking about will be a valuable source of info.

As a quick note, we do keep all these electronics sealed up in faraday bags when not in use. I am currently working on getting a new faraday covering tent for the vehicle itself, our old one was worn a bit and it got torn on one side, so it’s off to be repaired. That is something that I suppose is a bit specialized, but not really all that pricey to have made once you buy the cloth. Also, given the outskirts of the city we live in, and the fact that we plan to be long gone before missiles are even launched, much less hitting, it is probably unnecessary. Besides, if the strikes are that close, the last place you want to be is out on the road when they hit, so bugging in, as unattractive as that option is, becomes the better choice. But, that is why you watch for the signs of such escalations and bug out preemptively.

Conclusion

That pretty much covers my own bug out vehicle and gear. Remember, it is all about your specific plan and area of operations. What works for me might not be best for you, and so you have to consider your plan at all times. Make sure to run through your plan regularly, and even roleplay some various failures and unexpected occurrences to see how you can handle them when the time comes. Make sure your vehicle is completely capable of managing your various possible bug out routes by actually going out and driving them several times. Not only is this a good test of the vehicle, but it is necessary for planning exact travel times, as well as for getting familiar with your area of operations.